Water slide and bumper

ABSTRACT

A toy for sliding on water is described. The water slide includes a sprinkler tube along the length of the slide and a bumper at one end that is connected to the sprinkler hose. Water flows through both the sprinkler tube and bumper and through holes in both to lubricate a sheet for sliding on.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/050,592, filed May 5, 2008, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to water slides, and more particularly to bumpers for water slides.

2. Discussion of the Background

A toy water slide generally includes an elongated sheet of plastic that is secured to the ground and which includes a sprinkler to keep the sheet wet. A child can then run towards the sheet and slide on their feet or body along the sheet. The friction between the child and the wet plastic sheet is minimal, and the child will usually slide along the length of the sheet.

Some water slides have sheets with a preferred starting and ending location for sliding. Such configurations may be provided for safety purposes or to enhance the experience of using the water slide. Thus, for example, some water slides include an air-filled bumper at a distal end to prevent the child from sliding off of the water slide. Other water slides include a pool at the distal end.

There is need for a water slide having a distal end that provides safety and enhances the experience of using the water slide.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the limitations and problems of the prior art by providing a water slide having a bumper that provides water to the water slide.

It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a water slide for placing on the ground to permit a user to slide on when the water slide is coupled to a water source. The water slide includes a sheet, a hose adapter, and a conduit. A conduit may be a hose, a tube, a pipe, or any other conduit suitable for liquid flow therein. The sheet provides a path along which the user slides in a sliding direction towards a distal end of the sheet. The hose adapter is configured to accept water from the water source. The conduit is in fluid communication with the hose adapter, and includes: a first conduit having a first plurality of holes in the wall of the conduit, and where the first conduit is positioned along the sliding surface; and a second conduit having a second plurality of holes in the wall of the conduit, and where the second conduit is disposed at the distal end. The sheet substantially conforms to the shape of the ground on which it is placed, and, when the water source provides water to the hose adapter, water flows through the first plurality of holes and the second plurality of holes onto the sheet.

These features together with the various ancillary provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, are attained by the water slide of the present invention, preferred embodiments thereof being shown with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of a water slide;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view 2-2 of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view 3-3 of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a second embodiment of a water slide;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a third embodiment of a water slide;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are top views of a front portion and a rear portion, respectively, of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are details of one embodiment for connecting the proximal and distal portions, and the connector, of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the embodiment for connecting the proximal and distal portions of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are an alternative embodiment for the assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is another alternative embodiment for the assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 11 is yet another alternative embodiment for the assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

Reference symbols are used in the Figures to indicate certain components, aspects or features shown therein, with reference symbols common to more than one Figure indicating like components, aspects or features shown therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of a water slide 100, FIG. 2 is a sectional view 2-2, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view 3-3 of the embodiment of FIG. 1. In general, water slide 100 includes a sheet 101 intended to be placed on a generally flat and preferably soft surface, and a hose adapter 105 that provides water for lubricating the sheet.

As one example of water slide 100, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, sheet 101 is generally rectangular, extending a length L from a proximal end 111 to a distal end 113 and extending a width W from a first lateral edge 115 to a second lateral edge 117. Sheet 101 is made from a flexible material that is slippery when sprayed with water. In one embodiment, which is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention, sheet 101 is a vinyl sheet that is from 6 gauge to 10 gauge. Although not limiting to the scope of the invention, water slide 100 will be described herein as having a preferred sliding direction from proximal end 111 to distal end 113. The dimensions of length L and width W permit a child to slide along the length and within the width. The length L may be, for example and without limitation, from 10 feet to 25 feet. The width W may be, for example and without limitation, from 28 inches to 32 inches.

A water slide having features of the invention may include a reinforced edge, or reinforced edges, which may include a reinforced edge region. A water slide having features of the invention may include an engagement feature, such as a feature suitable for use in attaching a water slide to the ground. An engagement feature may be disposed near a reinforced edge, and, in embodiments, may be disposed within a reinforced edge region. An engagement feature may be suitable for engaging a stake, a post, a hook, a rope, or other element useful for fixation. Thus, in embodiments, an engagement feature may be, for example, a hole, a slot, a slit, a tab, a loop, a hook, or a strap. As indicated in FIG. 1, water slide 100 may include edge reinforcements 102 and holes 104 to permit the water slide to be secured to the ground below, as, for example, with stakes. Water slide 100 also includes conduits 103, which may be made of the same material as sheet 101 or a different material. Conduits 103 may include a hose adapter 105 and are at least partially hollow to permit the flow of water therein. Conduits 103 include holes 107 (e.g., 107 a and 107 b) effective to allow egress of water from within a conduit 103 effective to provide a spray or stream of water and to lubricate sheet 101. Thus, for example and without limitation, conduit 103 includes a sprinkler tube 103 a extending at least partially along lateral edge 115, and having holes 107 a, and a bumper 103 b extending at least partially along distal end 113 and having holes 107 b.

Holes 107 a and 107 b are sized such that water pressure is maintained within conduits 103 while permitting a sufficient amount of water to escape to lubricate water slide 100. In embodiments, holes 107 a and 107 b may be, for example, between about 0.1 mm and about 10 mm in diameter; or may be between about 0.5 mm and about 5 mm in diameter; and may be spaced, for example, between about every 1 inch to about every 10 inches; or may be spaced, for example, between about every 2 inch to about every 5 inches. As an example, which is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention, holes 107 a and 107 b may be 1 mm in diameter and spaced every 3 inches. It will be understood that, in embodiments, the size and spacing of holes 107 a and 107 b may be irregular, as well.

In one embodiment, sprinkler tube 103 a is hollow and in fluid communication with hose adapter 105 (where “fluid communication” means, for example, that fluid from sprinkler tube 103 a may flow into hose adapter 105 without encountering a blockage that would prevent such flow). In another embodiment, bumper 103 b is hollow and in fluid communication with hose adapter 105. Bumper 103 b is thus “self-filling” in that it inflates with water, or with water and air, when water slide 100 is being used. In either or both of these embodiments water, provided from hose adapter 105, is directed onto sheet 101 to lubricate the sheet.

In one embodiment, hose adapter 105, sprinkler tube 103 a, and bumper 103 b are in fluid communication and serially connected. Thus, for example and without limitation, hose adapter 105 may be connected to a supply of water under pressure and water will flow in the direction indicated by arrow F along sprinkler tube 103 a and bumper 103 b. The resulting flow and water pressure will then cause water to flow through holes 107 a along the length and onto sheet 101 and through holes 107 b at distal end 120 and onto the sheet.

Methods for forming conduits and attaching them to the sheet are well known. In one embodiment, sheet 101, sprinkler tube 103 a, and bumper 103 b are formed from a single sheet of plastic. In another embodiment, sprinkler tube 103 a and bumper 103 b are separately formed and are joined together in a permanent configuration (as by bonding the sprinkler tube and bumper) or include coupling mechanisms to join the sprinkler tube and bumper. In another embodiment, additional valves or plugs are provided to drain conduits 103.

In one embodiment, a substantial portion of sprinkler tube 103 a and bumper 103 b are joined to sheet 101. See, for example, FIGS. 2 and 3. Thus, in the example of the embodiment of FIG. 1, when water slide 100 is placed on flat surface water flows from hose adapter 105, through holes 107, onto sheet 101, and off the water slide at proximal end 111 and lateral edge 117.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of another embodiment of water slide 100, which may be generally similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, except as further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in the depiction of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 4.

In water slide 100 of FIG. 4, hose adapter 105, bumper 103 b, and sprinkler tube 103 a are in fluid communication and serially connected. Thus, for example and without limitation, hose adapter 105 may be connected to a supply of water under pressure and water will flow in the direction indicated by arrow F along bumper 103 b and sprinkler tube 103 a. The direction of water flow in the embodiment of FIG. 4 is in the opposite direction from the flow of water in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a detail 5-5 from FIG. 1 showing a top view of a third embodiment of a water slide 500, and FIGS. 6A and 6B are top views of a front portion and a rear portion, respectively, of the embodiment of FIG. 5. Water slide 500 may be generally similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, except as further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in the depiction of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 5.

Water slide 500 is constructed from a proximal portion 510 and a distal portion 520. Proximal portion 510 includes a sheet 101 a and attached sprinkler tube 103 a, which includes an extension, shown as hose 601 having an end 603. Distal portion 520 includes a sheet 101 b, bumper 103 b, and a connector 606. Proximal portion 510 and a distal portion 520 are joined, for example, by overlapping ends of sheets 101 a and 101 b and heating, pressing, and/or using an adhesive to join the ends.

Conduits 103 are joined by attaching end 603 to connector 606. Conduits may be permanently joined together, or may be releasably (temporarily) joined together. As one example of joined conduits, FIGS. 7A and 7B are details of one embodiment for connecting the conduits of proximal portion 510 and distal portion 520 which may be generally similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, except as further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in the depiction of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 7.

Connector 605 has a tapered end onto which end 606 may be forced to form a tight seal. Such a tight seal may be, for example, a temporary (releasable) seal. Alternatively, end 606 may be pressed, glued and/or welded to connector 605.

As an alternative example of joined conduits, FIG. 8 shows details of another embodiment for connecting the conduits of proximal portion 510 and distal portion 520 which may be generally similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, except as further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in the depiction of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 8.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, sprinkler tube 103 a has a fitting to permit a tube 801 to be connected between the fitting and connector 605. Alternatively, one or both of the ends of tube 801 may be permanently affixed to sprinkler tube 103 a and or bumper 103 b. As discussed above, it will be understood that a sprinkler tube 103 a may have holes 107 a and that a bumper 103 b may have holes 107 b.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are an alternative embodiment for the assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 5, which may be generally similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, except as further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in the depiction of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 9.

FIG. 10 is another alternative embodiment for the assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 5; and, which may be generally similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, except as further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in the depiction of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 10.

FIG. 11 is yet another alternative embodiment for the assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 5, which may be generally similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, except as further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in the depiction of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 8.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. 

1. A water slide for placing on the ground to permit a user to slide on when the water slide is coupled to a water source, the water slide comprising: a sheet having a distal end and configured to provide a path along which the user slides in a sliding direction towards said distal end of the sheet; a hose adapter to accept water from a water source; and a conduit having a wall, said conduit in fluid communication with said hose adapter, where said conduit includes a first conduit having a first plurality of holes in the wall of the conduit, and where said first conduit is positioned along the sliding surface; and a second conduit having a second plurality of holes in the wall of the conduit, and where said second conduit is disposed at the distal end of said sheet, such that said sheet substantially conforms to the shape of the ground on which it is placed, and such that, when the water source provides water to said hose adapter, water flows through said first plurality of holes and said second plurality of holes onto said sheet.
 2. The water slide of claim 1, wherein said second conduit comprises a bumper disposed near said distal end of said sheet.
 3. The water slide of claim 2, wherein said bumper is configured to fill with water when the water slide is coupled to a water source.
 4. The water slide of claim 1, wherein a substantial portion of a conduit is joined to said sheet.
 5. The water slide of claim 4, wherein a substantial portion of said first conduit is joined to said sheet.
 6. The water slide of claim 4, wherein a substantial portion of said second conduit is joined to said sheet.
 7. The water slide of claim 4, wherein a substantial portion of said first conduit and a substantial portion of said second conduit are joined to said sheet.
 8. The water slide of claim 1, wherein said hose adapter, said first conduit, and said second conduit are serially connected in fluid communication with each other.
 9. The water slide of claim 1, wherein said sheet further comprises a reinforced edge.
 10. The water slide of claim 9, wherein said sheet further comprises an engagement feature.
 11. The water slide of claim 10, wherein said engagement feature is disposed near to said reinforced edge.
 12. The water slide of claim 10, wherein said reinforced edge comprises a reinforced edge region, and wherein said engagement feature is disposed within said reinforced edge region.
 13. The water slide of claim 10, wherein said engagement feature is selected from a hole, a slot, a slit, a tab, a loop, a hook, and a strap,
 14. The water slide of claim 1, wherein said sheet comprises a proximal sheet portion and a distal sheet portion, wherein said proximal sheet portion and a distal sheet portion are joined together.
 15. The water slide of claim 14, wherein said proximal sheet portion and a distal sheet portion are permanently joined together.
 16. The water slide of claim 15, wherein said proximal sheet portion and a distal sheet portion are permanently joined together by means of a joining means selected from one or more of adhesive, pressure, and heat.
 17. The water slide of claim 1, further comprising a connecting means, wherein said first conduit and said second conduit are joined together by said connecting means.
 18. The water slide of claim 17, wherein said connecting means comprises a permanent connecting means.
 19. The water slide of claim 17, wherein said connecting means comprises a releasable connecting means.
 20. The water slide of claim 2, further comprising a connecting means, wherein said first conduit and said second conduit are joined together by said connecting means. 